Drone photography has opened a whole new world for creatives. With a bird’s-eye view at your fingertips, you can capture landscapes, cinematic angles, and perspectives that were once reserved for helicopters and movie sets. But while the technology is more accessible than ever, great drone photography is about more than just sending a camera into the sky.
Here are a few essential tips every beginner needs to know:
1. Respect local drone regulations
Before you get swept up in the excitement of take-off, make sure you’re legally cleared for flight. Drone regulations vary by country and even by city. Ignoring them could cost you (not to mention risk people’s safety or your drone).
Start by registering your drone if required in your country. Some countries also require you to pass a basic knowledge test or get drone insurance for commercial use.
2. Check the weather
Drones may be built for the skies, but they’re still at the mercy of elements. Strong winds, rain, or even too much cloud cover can ruin your footage or worse, cause a crash. Always check the weather forecast before you fly.
3. Bring extra batteries
Drone batteries don’t last long, most consumer drones give you 20–30 minutes per charge. And if you’re out at a remote location or chasing the golden hour, time is precious.
Bring at least two to three batteries for every outing. That gives you the flexibility to experiment, revisit shots, and not panic when you get the “low battery” warning mid-flight. Browse our range of drones and accessories.
4. Shoot RAW for maximum editing power
Shooting in RAW format gives you more flexibility when editing. Aerial shots often involve lots of detail, contrast, and shadow, RAW files preserve that information better than JPEGs.
You’ll be able to recover highlights, pull out details in shadows, and adjust colour without ruining the image quality. If your drone supports RAW, make sure it’s turned on before your first flight. Just keep in mind that RAW files are much larger than JPEGs, so make sure you have enough memory card space to handle the extra data.
5. Master the basics before going cinematic
It’s tempting to jump into dramatic flyovers, but smooth, cinematic footage starts with mastery of the basics. Practice hovering steadily, moving in straight lines, and combining slow movements like forward, upward and backward.
6. Scout locations in advance
It helps to know what you’re flying into. Use Google Earth or your drone app’s satellite view to pre-scout interesting features like rivers, cliffs, architectural lines, or tree patterns. This also helps you plan your flight path and avoid obstacles.
7. Composition matters
Just because your camera is in the sky doesn’t mean the rules of photography disappear. In fact, composition is even more critical when everything looks incredible from above. Use the rule of thirds, leading lines (roads, rivers, paths), symmetry, and patterns to create visual interest.
8. Don’t fly too high too fast
Many beginners go straight for max altitude but flying lower can often produce more compelling visuals. Lower altitudes show texture, depth, and context, especially when flying over forests, water, or city streets.
9. Pick the right take-off and landing zone
One of the most overlooked parts of a drone shoot is where you launch and land. It might seem like a small detail, but choosing a safe, flat, and open area can save your drone (and your nerves). Avoid tall grass, sand, loose gravel, or areas with overhead obstacles like tree branches or power lines.
10. Edit Like a Storyteller
Once you’ve backed up your footage, the real magic begins. Editing shapes your story. Think about pacing, music, and how each shot flows. Use tools like Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. For photos, Lightroom is a top pick. Set the mood with music from Artlist or Epidemic Sound because a great track takes your visuals to the next level.
Drone photography isn’t just about gear, it’s about vision. With the right planning, practice, and creative eye, you can elevate your work (pun intended) and tell stories in ways that ground-level photography just can’t.
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